Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun believes tackling racism in football is a collective responsibility and that more punitive measures are needed to curb the menace.
Balogun, 31, is also in support of players walking off the pitch, but admits it is only part of what needs to be regularised to stop racism in football.
The Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back wants players not being targeted on the pitch to fully support their teammates who feel that leaving the pitch is their only option, so that not too much pressure is put on individuals.
“It’s like they are afraid because the manager might say ‘if you don’t want to play, even though you might be an important player to us, we can replace you’ and so that’s something you will think about at least twice,” Balogun told BBC Africa.
Balogun also insists that in order to get the message across, fans who do not take part in the abuse must also get involved in the battle against racism.
“You really take away what they love so much so that they understand we need to rethink here for a minute,” he explained.
Balogun is also adamant that the kind of sanctions being handed down is simply not having the necessary effect.
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